GO trains aren’t known for their thoughtful interior design. Odds are that nothing will ever change that, but it’s nice that Metrolinx is trying. The GO Transit operator says it will slowly be refurbishing the interiors of all its trains over the next two decades. The changes are expected to make things easier on riders’ ears, noses—and, naturally, their butts.

According to Metrolinx spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins, the first of the refurbished trains will be rideable by the end of the year. Changes will include new seats, designed to do a better job of coddling passengers than the current ones. “They have a newer, ergonomic seat that cradles the rider better, so it supports your back and your bottom, and provides great neck support,” Aikins said. “A lot of our customers like to sleep. And so the way [the new seats] shape the neck support will hopefully encourage the head to stay in place rather than go on their neighbour.”

A closer look at the new interior. (Image: Metrolinx)

The new interiors will also include cushioned carpeting to muffle the sound of feet, and softer lighting to keep hurried commuters serene. The most noticeable change will be to the upholstery on the seating. Rather than the traditional blue, it will be GO-train green. The new fabric is supposedly more stain resistant than the stuff GO has used in the past—a claim that riders will likely put to the test in pretty short order.

The province just announced the purchase of 65 new GO train cars from Bombardier earlier today, and Aikins says all of them will come fitted with the new interior features, while older cars will be revamped when they go in for scheduled refurbishment. It will take about 18 years for the whole fleet to be redone, by which point we imagine it will be time for another interior upgrade. Maybe we could get something more along the lines of this?

I have to say, as a resident who lives in a neighbourhood in which the trains run through – I am continually amazed by Metrolinx’s refusal to do nothing about the noise they cause the residents of these areas (since trains are somehow handed a get out of jail free card by the City Noise Pollution Bylaws) yet invest more and more in quieting the train for their riders while my neighbours and I have to cease conversation if we happen to be in our front yard when one goes by.

Thanks for pointing out the obvious Johnny. Of course I bought the home knowing the trains were there (I assure you my 80 year old home was there first). This all being said it still does not justify that residents in the city of Toronto who live in the proximity of the trains are denied the same courtesy and harmony those living within the same proximity to the highways enjoy through the installation of sound barriers.

The irony of quiet cars and sound muffling seats from a body who is not willing to live harmoniously with the communities in which they run is laughable. As is your comment that completely misses the point of mine.

I think Metrolinx should prioritize the implementation of the Presto card over comfy seats. Two main recommendations: a mobile app for smart phones, and increased usability.

1) A working mobile app would be nice, hopefully in the future with NEC technology similar to the Starbucks cards. One that users could reload/auto-reload, check their balance, and pay with. Bonus for adding the schedules.

2) I think it is imperative that they recognize the card in all major TTC stations and busses. Luckily Union, Bloor, and Kipling do but some stations don’t. I know that the Presto card works in all Mississauga busses, this gives me hope that it could be done in a timely manner in Toronto.

With the increases beginning Feb 1, I would hope to see some useful changes.
Presto aside, I think GO transit should really look at the high volume of commuters on the Milton line. In my morning commute from Erindale (8:00 train), seats are already occupied. So taking a nap on these new comfy seats isn’t even an option, unless I drive to Streetsville and pay extra fare there.

Yesterday I saw a train got passed so quietly through the Main street area that made me think that Metrolinx is indeed bringing some noiseless trains into its line. BUdget is a big issue as well. I wonder there are other countries in the world who runs faster and noiseless trains but the tax is much less comparing to Ontario. I wonder I they make it happen.

Your point is that you are upset because Metrolinx is spending money to promote increased GO transit ridership by making it more enjoyable for those who consciously choose more sustainable modes of transit (compared to automobiles). Will more people ride transit if we invest in a better train experience OR if we put up sound barriers for people living by the train who probably don’t even use it? You tell me.

And while you’re at it Metrolinx (or better yet NOW), put signs at every group of seats for poeple to KEEP THEIR FRICKIN’ FEET OFF THE SEATS! I see you have a note on the website and you even have a bylaw to address it but the guilty parties don’t see those messages and seemingly couldn’t care less. The train is not your home people (feel free to treat YOUR sofa as you will). Most of us civilized people wear good clean clothes and want to keep it that way! We don’t want to and shouldn’t have to sit on seats where you’ve had your dirty boots, shoes, bags, and even disgusting bare feet! Enough is enough.